Historic Decision by MLB: Deceased Players Removed from Banned List

Date: May 13, 2025 | Author: Don Van Natta Jr.

Commissioner’s Landmark Ruling

In a groundbreaking move on Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the removal of Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and various other deceased players from the league’s permanently ineligible list. This decision has opened the door for these players to be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Details of the Ruling

Manfred declared that the league’s penalties concluded upon a player’s death, stating, “A person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game.” This ruling signifies that lifetime bans, such as those imposed on Rose in 1989 and Jackson in 1921, effectively end with the player’s passing.

Implications for the Hall of Fame

The ruling removes a total of 16 deceased players and one deceased team owner from the banned list, including Jackson’s teammates from the Chicago White Sox’s infamous “Black Sox Scandal” of 1919. While the Hall of Fame currently does not allow any player on the list to be voted in, Manfred’s decision allows these candidates to be considered by the Historical Overview Committee, which will meet in December 2027.

Pete Rose’s Journey

Pete Rose, a 17-time All-Star and MLB’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, faced a lifetime ban from baseball following findings that he bet on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Rose’s association with gambling has long overshadowed his outstanding career, which includes three World Series wins and multiple batting titles.

Joe Jackson’s Legacy

Alongside Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson was banned in 1921 for his involvement in the 1919 World Series fixing scandal. Despite his ban, Jackson’s impressive career batting average of .356 remains one of the highest in MLB history.

Next Steps for Induction

Rose’s family, along with attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov, plans to petition the Hall of Fame for induction as soon as possible. The process for consideration requires a candidate to receive 12 out of 16 votes from the Classic Baseball Era Committee during the next meeting in December 2027.

Fan Support and Controversies

The decision to remove these players from the banned list has reignited discussions among baseball fans, particularly regarding the perceived inconsistencies in how different players are treated. Recently, public sentiment has increasingly supported Rose’s reinstatement as society’s views on gambling evolve.

Conclusion

While Manfred’s ruling has lifted the lifetime bans for Rose, Jackson, and others posthumously, the future remains uncertain. Hall of Fame voters will ultimately determine whether these legendary figures will find their rightful place among baseball’s greats in Cooperstown.

List of Names Removed from the Banned List

• Joe Jackson
• Buck Weaver
• Eddie Cicotte
• Lefty Williams
• Happy Felsch
• Fred McMullin
• Swede Risberg
• Chick Gandil
• Joe Gedeon
• Gene Paulette
• Benny Kauff
• Lee Magee
• Shufflin’ Phil Douglas
• Jimmy O’Connell
• Cozy Dolan
• William Cox
• Pete Rose